A NEWLY formed consultation group is seeking talks with the developers of a scheme designed to transform Watchet's derelict East Quay in the wake of concerns about elements of the proposed plans. FOCUS, which was set up by local people following a meeting held in the town last Saturday, wants to have a face to face meeting with Urban Splash - the company chosen for the East Quay development. Spokesman Mike Kennedy, who runs EAG marine, a firm specialising in boat repairs, overhauls and refits, said none of the 40 people who attended the launch meeting were opposed to the East Quay being developed. But he said there were concerns about the scale and style of the Urban Splash proposals, as well as the location of the marina-related facilities, such as the boat yard and lifting equipment. Mr Kennedy said Saturday's meeting was followed by another earlier this week at which a core steering committee of around ten people had been formed. "We feel we have a wealth of experience on a wide range of issues that would be useful to Urban Splash. "We want this group to be the vehicle for local people to have some sort of input into this scheme." Mr Kennedy said some people felt the proposals represented an over-development of the site. "I am particularly worried about the style and the architecture of the buildings. "The East Quay lies within a conservation area and the Urban Splash plans seem to fly in the face of this and are not in keeping with Watchet's existing buildings. "Nobody wants to see a pastiche development but equally we don't want to see a monster. "Watchet is a gorgeous little place, quirky and unspoilt. I know West Somerset District Council has said it wanted a statement building but what is being proposed is a monolith and totally inappropriate." Mr Kennedy also questioned the value of the proposed 65 apartments to local people and said he would like to see an open air area retained for the town's annual carnival and other events. And he said he was concerned that he had received no response from the council to his request for a workshop to rent on the developed site which would be large enough to take boat lifting equipment. "FOCUS is not a renegade group. Not one of us is flat against the development but it does need to be done in conjunction with the marina and local people. "We have no axe to grind either with the council or Urban Splash." Anyone wanting more information on the group can contact Mr Kennedy on 07974 131127.